分类： business

A significant divergence has emerged in Asian gold markets, with premiums in India collapsing from decade-high levels while Chinese demand strengthened ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Market data reveals Indian bullion dealers this week charged premiums of up to $70 per ounce over official domestic prices, representing a dramatic decline from last week’s $153 premium – the highest recorded since December 2013. This sharp contraction follows substantial price volatility that saw domestic gold prices swing between 133,687 rupees and a record 180,779 rupees per 10 grams, creating uncertainty among buyers. Market analysts attribute last week’s premium spike to anticipations of an import duty hike in India’s Union Budget, which ultimately maintained the existing duty structure when presented on February 1. Conversely, China demonstrated robust demand with premiums increasing to $35 per ounce above global benchmark prices, up from $32 the previous week. Regional variations persisted across Asia, with Hong Kong trading at par to $1.70 premiums, Japan offering discounts of $7 to $1 premiums, and Singapore trading at discounts of $0.50 to premiums of $3. Peter Fung, Head of Dealing at Wing Fung Precious Metals, noted that ‘consumers still have interest in buying jewellery on the downside while physical investment demand is very good.’ The market shift comes as spot gold prices have retreated more than 13.5% since hitting a record high of $5,594.82 on January 29. ANZ analyst Soni Kumari observed that ‘the correction in gold and silver prices came at the right time, just before the Chinese New Year,’ potentially stimulating further demand. This market realignment occurs against the backdrop of China’s evolving gold consumption patterns, where 2025 marked the second consecutive annual decline but saw investment products (bars and coins) surpass jewelry purchases for the first time, reflecting growing safe-haven demand among Chinese investors.

Voyah UAE, the premium electric vehicle brand exclusively distributed by Performance Plus Motors, has undertaken the role of official automotive sponsor for Taste of Dubai 2026, introducing an innovative approach to brand integration at the celebrated culinary festival. Departing from conventional automotive displays, the company has crafted a serene majlis-inspired sanctuary that harmoniously merges traditional Arabic hospitality with the tranquil aesthetics of classical Chinese gardens.

This carefully curated space provides festival attendees with an oasis of calm amidst the event’s vibrant energy, embodying Voyah’s philosophy of understated modern luxury through atmospheric design and cultural resonance rather than overt commercial promotion. Throughout the festival duration, visitors can examine the Voyah Free and Voyah Dream models showcased within this distinctive environment, with on-site registration available for exclusive test drive experiences directly from the event venue.

Expanding its engagement beyond physical boundaries, Voyah has launched a complementary social media initiative designed to extend participation to the broader community. This digital campaign offers opportunities to access the Taste of Dubai experience, encouraging shared moments that reinforce the brand’s commitment to fostering genuine connections, accessibility, and meaningful consumer interactions.

Mohamed Elzawawy, General Manager of Performance Plus Motors, elaborated on the strategic approach: ‘Taste of Dubai attracts audiences who appreciate quality, cultural richness, and experiential engagement. Our presence is meticulously designed to complement this ethos by offering something intentionally distinct from the surrounding festivities. We’re introducing Voyah through cultural dialogue and atmospheric design rather than traditional automotive conventions.’

The sponsorship represents a sophisticated brand positioning exercise within the UAE’s evolving luxury mobility market, leveraging cultural references and design excellence to integrate naturally within the festival’s rhythm while demonstrating Voyah’s unique perspective on modern automotive luxury.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has solidified its status as the world’s premier international aviation hub, demonstrating remarkable growth momentum that continues to outpace global competitors. According to newly released 2026 data, DXB handled an unprecedented 62.4 million international seats in 2025, extending its lead over London Heathrow by 13.5 million seats and establishing a commanding position in global air travel.

The airport’s capacity has surged 4% year-on-year and stands 16% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with projections indicating 96 million passengers in 2026 and a breakthrough to 100 million by early 2027. Aviation analysts from OAG Aviation Worldwide confirm DXB’s sustained growth trajectory positions it to overtake Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) as the world’s busiest airport overall within the next 3-4 years.

Strategic drivers behind this expansion include the aggressive network growth of home carriers Emirates and flydubai, both of which have placed substantial aircraft orders to support continued expansion. Emirates’ product investments across its A380, 777, and new A350 fleets have contributed to its status as the world’s most profitable airline, while flydubai’s expansion has bolstered DXB’s connectivity.

DXB’s strategic geographical location enables comprehensive coverage across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas through an extensive ultra-long-haul network. The airport benefits from robust winter tourism from Europe and South Asia alongside resilient business travel demand.

The economic impact of Dubai’s aviation success is profound, with the sector contributing approximately one-third of the emirate’s GDP. Record passenger flows stimulate demand across hospitality, tourism, retail, and transportation sectors, with peak periods exceeding 300,000 daily passengers creating substantial ripple effects throughout the local economy.

Despite operating near capacity, DXB continues investing in technological advancements and operational systems to ensure smoother passenger transit and minimize delays. Looking ahead, the planned 2032 opening of Dubai World Central/Al Maktoum International will provide critical additional capacity, with DXB expected to surpass 110 million passengers by 2030 within its current 120-125 million passenger capacity.

Regional aviation markets also show strength, with Doha Hamad International Airport maintaining a top-10 global position with 32.7 million international seats—20% above 2019 levels. Industry experts note that while geopolitical tensions present potential challenges to international travel, Dubai’s strategic location provides alternative routing options that minimize disruption risks.

Economic relations between China and India have entered a promising new phase as bilateral trade surged to an unprecedented $155.6 billion in 2025, marking a substantial 12% year-on-year increase. This breakthrough comes amid improving diplomatic relations and signals growing momentum for deeper economic integration between the two Asian giants.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, speaking at a Chinese New Year reception in New Delhi, highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that Indian exports to China grew by 9.7% annually. The ambassador emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening strategic alignment with India, enhancing practical cooperation, and boosting people-to-people exchanges. He further affirmed China’s support for India’s BRICS rotating chairmanship and willingness to enhance multilateral coordination.

Business leaders and analysts from both nations express optimism about the relationship’s trajectory. Rajeev Singh, Director-General of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, noted that China and India represent natural economic partners capable of contributing 50% of global GDP growth. He emphasized the importance of building trust and maintaining stability in the current geopolitical climate.

The improved relations are already yielding tangible benefits, with travel restrictions easing and direct flight routes resuming. Air India recently reinstated the Shanghai-New Delhi direct route, following the October restart of daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou after a five-year hiatus.

Vijay K. Mishra, Executive Vice-Chairman of the India China Trade Centre, observed that China’s demonstrated economic resilience and commitment to high-quality growth provide strong reassurance to Indian businesses and investors. He noted the vast untapped potential for deeper economic engagement, industrial collaboration, and value-chain integration between the two nations.

Indian entrepreneurs and young leaders echo this sentiment, with Shranik Chopra noting that improved bilateral ties will build greater confidence among business communities on both sides. Himadrish Suwan, Chairman of the Confederation of Young Leaders of India, emphasized the immense potential of the partnership when guided by dialogue, mutual respect, and shared interests.

The relationship’s upward trajectory follows the August meeting between the two countries’ leaders in Tianjin, which marked a turning point in bilateral relations. With record trade figures and renewed diplomatic engagement, 2026 is poised to be a year of significant positive developments in Sino-Indian economic cooperation.

A landmark energy infrastructure project connecting China and Laos has achieved a critical construction milestone, positioning the Lancang-Mekong region for enhanced clean energy collaboration. The China-Laos 500-kilovolt power interconnection project completed full transmission line connectivity on Thursday, signaling the final phase before its scheduled April operational launch.

Engineers from both nations have been working intensively to realize this cross-border electricity highway, which represents one of the most significant energy cooperation initiatives in Southeast Asia. The high-voltage transmission system spans challenging terrain to create a sustainable energy corridor between the neighboring countries.

According to China Southern Power Grid Lancang-Mekong International Company, the completed infrastructure will enable bidirectional power flow capacity of 1.5 million kilowatts upon commissioning. This substantial transfer capability will facilitate annual electricity exchanges of approximately 3 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable-sourced power between the two nations.

The environmental implications are substantial, with projections indicating the project could reduce regional carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 2.5 million metric tons annually. This reduction equivalent to removing hundreds of thousands of gasoline-powered vehicles from roadways each year.

Energy analysts highlight that this interconnection establishes a template for cross-border clean energy partnerships across the Mekong subregion. The project demonstrates how shared infrastructure can optimize renewable resource distribution while supporting climate commitments made by both China and Laos.

The timing coincides with increasing regional emphasis on sustainable development and energy security. The interconnection allows Laos to leverage its hydropower resources while accessing China’s more diverse energy portfolio during seasonal variations.

Project developers emphasize that the infrastructure will enhance grid stability and reliability for both nations while creating economic opportunities through energy trade. The collaboration represents a concrete manifestation of the Belt and Road Initiative’s focus on mutually beneficial infrastructure development.

As construction teams prepare for the final commissioning phase, energy policymakers across Southeast Asia are monitoring the project’s operational performance as a potential model for future cross-border clean energy initiatives.

Thailand is positioning itself as the premier Southeast Asian destination for Chinese New Year festivities with an ambitious campaign projected to generate $1.33 billion in tourism revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched “Amazing Thailand Happy Chinese New Year 2026” to coincide with both the Year of the Horse celebrations and the 51st anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations.

The comprehensive nationwide celebration features flagship events across multiple provinces including Bangkok, Hat Yai, Nakhon Sawan, and Suphan Buri. Tourism officials anticipate welcoming approximately 1.25 million international visitors during the peak travel period from February 13-22, representing a 10% year-on-year increase, alongside 2.3 million domestic trips marking a 3% rise from 2025.

Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road Chinatown will transform into a luminous spectacle with large-scale illuminations themed “Ride the Fortune, Share the Future” from February 7 through March 1. The capital will host cultural troupes from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian provinces showcasing traditional performances, lantern-making, calligraphy, paper-cutting, and astrology demonstrations.

Southern Thailand will see vibrant celebrations in Hat Yai near the Malaysian border from February 17-20, featuring lion dances and acrobatic performances from Fujian province, reinforcing the city’s status as a crucial tourism hub for regional and cross-border travelers.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool emphasized that “this campaign underscores over two decades of close collaboration between Thai and Chinese tourism authorities while celebrating the shared cultural heritage that drives sustainable travel and fosters long-term tourism growth.”

To ensure visitor safety and enhance experiences, the Thai Tourist Police Bureau will deploy language support services at major destinations including Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai, with special service vans stationed to assist international tourists.

The Chinese New Year initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader “Thailand Tourism Next” strategy aiming to generate 3 trillion baht ($95 billion) in total tourism revenue for 2026. This quality-driven approach prioritizes premium experiences including health tourism, nocturnal attractions, film tourism, and sports-related travel, supported by sustainable models and integrated digital platforms.

TOYOTA, Japan — In a significant corporate restructuring, Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled a 43% plunge in quarterly profits alongside the appointment of Chief Financial Officer Kenta Kon as its incoming President and CEO. The leadership transition, effective this April, signals the automaker’s strategic response to mounting financial pressures and industry transformation.

Kon, a seasoned Toyota executive with expertise spanning automated driving and financial optimization, will succeed Koji Sato, who retains his position as Vice Chairman. The board’s decision, subject to shareholder ratification in June, represents what Sato characterized as a necessary ‘gear shift’ for the automotive giant.

The financial results revealed stark challenges: October-December quarterly profits plummeted to ¥1.25 trillion ($8 billion) from ¥2.19 trillion year-over-year. Despite a 7% sales increase to ¥38 trillion ($242 billion) for the nine-month period through December, profits declined 26% to ¥3.03 trillion ($19 billion).

Toyota attributed substantial financial headwinds to escalating material costs and U.S. tariff policies, estimating a ¥1.45 trillion ($9.2 billion) operating profit reduction from tariffs alone in the previous year. Nevertheless, global vehicle sales demonstrated resilience, growing to 7.3 million units from 7 million, with gains across Japanese, North American, and European markets.

The company maintained its full-year forecast of ¥3.57 trillion ($22.8 billion) profit, representing a 25% annual decrease. Investor response appeared optimistic, with Toyota shares climbing 2% following the announcements.

Sato, who will continue leading industry initiatives as chairman of JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) and Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), emphasized the urgency of organizational adaptation. Kon echoed this sentiment, noting Toyota’s need for increased agility despite its established systems.

In an official statement, Toyota underscored its commitment to ‘expanding partnerships beyond the industry’ as it accelerates its transformation into a comprehensive mobility company.